I went into Woven From Clay not knowing what to expect, and wow—it completely floored me. It’s such a perfect blend of magic, mystery, and self-discovery that I couldn’t put it down. Even now, I’m still thinking about it.

The story centers on Terra Slater, who’s just trying to make it through her senior year like any other high school kid. Then of course! Thorne Wilder shows up and he is broody, secretive, and carrying the kind of news that flips Terra’s entire world upside down. Turns out, she’s not human. She’s a golem, made of clay and magic by a fugitive warlock named Cyrus Quill. Oh, and here’s the kicker: if Quill dies, so does she… along with all the other golems he created. No pressure, right?

what really made this book hit so hard was Terra’s emotional journey. Her struggle with identity, trying to reconcile what she is with who she wants to be, felt so raw and, honestly, painfully relatable. That deep need to belong, to feel like you’re enough, is something I think we all wrestle with at some point. Watching Terra go from feeling lost and unsure to fully embracing her power?

And where do I even begin with Thorne?!?! His dynamic with Terra is everything. Their slow-burn romance is so full of tension and respect and that push-pull energy that keeps you hanging on every interaction. It’s the kind of chemistry you want to root for with your whole heart. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded a few chapters from Thorne’s POV, especially toward the end—just to see things through his eyes—but that’s probably just me being greedy.

The magic in this book is gorgeous. The way Terra manipulates magic, weaving it like threads into something tangible, felt so vivid and alive. And the world-building? It’s spot-on. Birch gives you just enough to immerse you without overwhelming you with info dumps. The concept of golems, magical bounty hunters, and covens feels so fresh and original—it’s like stepping into a world you’ve never seen before, but it still makes sense.

The ending ties things up well but leaves just enough room for a sequel, (Please, please let there be a sequel!!) . I need more of Terra’s story, and Jennifer Birch is now officially on my list of authors to watch.

If you’re into slow-burn romance, unique magic systems, and stories that hit you in the feels, Woven From Clay absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. It’s the kind of book that keeps you reading way past your bedtime, and I already know I’ll be rereading it when it officially releases on August 12, 2025.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Jennifer Birch for letting me read this early. I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this beautiful story.

This is clearly for a younger audience — the writing was great, filled with lots of mystery and there’s tension throughout the story. I enjoyed this one quite a bit!

Woven From Clay is the story of a teenage girl who thought she was like everyone else, but finds out that she is a golem, made from mud and bone. In a town that has an inordinate amount of children who were adopted, Terra feels out of sync. She wonders where she came from and why she doesn't totally belong. When Thorne, a member of the Hunter's Guild of Witches arrives in town, everything Terra knew is turned on its end. The rest of the story is about overcoming prejudice, finding one's place in the world, and navigating teenage angst in high school. This appears to be a stand alone book with a happy ending. It is perfect for middle school readers on up. The story is engaging and easy to read.

I received an advance reader copy for free. All opinions are my own.

Woven From Clay is a fantastic story about a golem and a witch. I absolutely loved it. It is such a unique story that had me captivated from the start. The relationship between Terra and Thorne is fantastic with tension, mystery, and gradually... love. I went into this knowing nothing of the story and it was such a pleasant surprise. The magic system is awesome and the golem's magic is so cool. Man, I just loved this so much. I hope the author will write more about Terra and Thorne's journey, there is so much more to tell. I highly recommend this one.

Delightfully complex tale about a mostly overlooked mystical creature, the Golem. The story does a wonderful job of explaining the creation of Golems and where they fit into the magical realm. The author breathed such life and depth into the Golems in this story. While mostly an enthralling journey of self-discovery for Terra, the story also chronicles the power struggle of the witches in the Guild. This story is an exciting and magical tale of the Golem's place in our world; it is also a poignant story of finding one's true self, finding the good in others, and how we connect to those around us. My only reservation is that the ending was a little "Hallmark happy' for me - not a bad ending, just surprisingly pleasant.

This book was a treat, and I cannot wait for you all to dive into it as well. I loved this unusual and imaginative concept for a book. Almost every mythological creature has been covered in books, but I've never encountered a golem. Although I enjoyed the world-building and character development, I had difficulty connecting with the romance.

My sincere thanks go out to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and the author for letting me review this book.

the themes of adoption were strong. but i didn't really buy the characters, especially Thorne, and i felt like the villains were way too cartoonishly blatant about it. not even just in the maniacal sort of way, but in the straight-up saturday morning cartoon villain way. 3.5 stars, rounded up

Such an imaginative and unusual idea for a book! I feel like I've read books about pretty much every mythological creature, but I've never read one involving golem before. This felt like quintessential YA, with our FMC, Terra, dealing with petty high school drama while also navigating this hidden world and town secrets she's stumbled into. I enjoyed the storyline and the world, but it was hard for me to get behind the romance. She's literally made from mud...and Thorne is into her? BUT SHE'S MADE OF MUD. I don't know why I can't get onboard with it because there are weirder romance storylines, but I think I would have like this more if she just rode off into the sunset saving the day, without "getting the guy" too. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

An excellent contemporary fantasy.
We follow Terra who just wants the best senior year ever....but that plan gets derailed when she finds out she's not human but a being called a golem. And she was created by a rogue warlock who is on the run. Enter the mysterious stranger Thorne. Together they must unravel her magic, save the day and try and deny the feelings they may have for each other.
I loved the unique magic system, the slow burn romance, and the character developments. The world building was ok and easy to follow. This book was a treat and I can't wait for you all to read it.

I was excited about the golem element in this contemporary fantasy because I so rarely see them, and when I do they aren't the main character. I loved the premise of a golem having to learn the magic used to create her to save herself from a bounty hunter. However, I think the execution just simply wasn't what I expected. The mix of fantasy and contemporary didn't quite mesh well for me. The book had a greater contemporary and high school focus than I expected since I wanted more fantasy elements, I can see the appeal for readers who like the mix of high school drama, the struggle to fit in in that environment, and the trope of high school girl discovering she is magically special.

This is was not at all what I thought this book was going to be about. Thought it was going to be a more fantasy forward story about a golum girl. Was so hyped until it literally turned into a contemporary book about a high school girl who discovers she is "special" very much reminds me of shadow hunters and I don't vibe well with those stories. People on tumbler might like this one I however did not.

I've read some great reimaginings of golem mythology, such as Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros and This Dark Descent duology by Kalyn Josephson; it has even driven a deeper want to learn more about golems (And Jewish mythology, by extension). This book did heighten that curiosity, but not in a good way, unfortunately.

I'll be plain and say this book was just so boring. There was so much unnecessary juvenile drama that didn't do anything to make the characters go beyond their one-dimensional personalities. The whole thing with Brick (Yes, that's the name of Terra's non-love interest) was exhausting to read about, and the fact Terra actively choose not to tell him the truth of their relationship (Or any one of the other side characters with an obvious, and incredibly stupid, earth related names) annoyed me so damn much. On top of that, I hated Thorne because, at first, he was a creepy stalker, then for his terrible communication and habit of ghosting Terra for days until randomly showing up when the plot needed him, too. The villains were so cartoonishly evil, and I barely registered them as a valid threat. The story tried really hard to "redeem" or explain some behaviors to make them seem more complex, but it just didn't work.

The worldbuilding with the witches and the guild juxtaposed terrible with the contemporary setting. Forgive the metaphor, but the story felt like it was smashing two different color clays together to make a prettier one, only for it to turn out drabber than what you expected. Plus, the witch lore wasn't that much interesting, and I thought the use of food and sleep to be the method of replenishing magic to be so basic and boring; it got weirdly childish at times, too.

The only parts of the story I thought were somewhat interesting were when the themes of adoption were explored. Terra shares a lot of feelings regarding the loneliness adoptees have, and the using golems as a metaphor could have worked if this was written better. I did see that Birch herself was an adoptee, and I see how personal this was for her, but everything else around it really bogged down the message, in my opinion.

All in all, this wasn't for me, and I'm sad because I wanted to read more good books with golems in it. Guess I'll be looking elsewhere.

I had no expectations for this novel except that there would be some magical realism and a romance tangled in the mix of that. I was not disappointed, though I would have enjoyed seeing more of the functionalities of the world of wizards (book two potential?). It seemed very low key; however, the world-building was developed. I appreciated the dichotomies between the two main characters, as well, Terra struggling to maintain her mundanity and Thorne encapsulated in the traditions of executing coven law. What really works well with this novel, though, is Terra's internal struggle with belonging. There are so many layers to unpack: her being adopted, then the discovery of her true origins of literal mud from a flowerbed, and then the subsequent magical world this realization unlocks. The discrimination Terra faces from other witches because of her "muddy" composition is far too realistic to our real-world discrimination of minorities. This was an interesting way to use magical realism to touch on this difficult subject.

In terms of the romance that sparks between Terra and Thorne, it was a well-developed slow burn, albeit a very PG one. However, I would read more of Jennifer Birch's young adult work. The action throughout the novel kept the plot moving and the pages turning.

What a fascinating twist on the Golem myth. Jennifer Birch truly outdid herself with the world building. She excelled at melding YA sensibilities with this wonderful tale. Overwhelmingly enjoyed.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.
Somehow both creepy and juvenile. DNF’d because I just couldn’t keep going with how cringe this was. I wanted to like it because the golem angle is different and something I’ve not read before. But big nope.

Thank you NetGalley, author, publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to like this. But for me it fell really flat. The characters were very one dimensional and many didn’t add much to the story like Jett or Marina or Brink or her other friends. The plot was lost in a lot of juvenile high school drama that didn’t give a uniqueness to this story. The romance seemed like it was going to be a enemies to lovers or at least some sort of tension between the two but I didn’t get that. I found myself skimming the last 40%. The plot, guild, search for Mr Quill just didn’t mesh well and I didn’t feel invested. A lot of focus on high school drama. I get what this book was trying to do but it didn’t grab me. There could be potential for future projects that do involve these unique ideas. I felt the character development only focused on Terra and even then, there wasn’t much. The writing was okay, and also felt very juvenile. I can see this being a better target for middle school kids. The end was a little rushed and felt like things were happening a little all over the place.

Ohhhh this was so GOOD. So cute and heartwarming and just everything I needed in a golem retelling. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the email from Wednesday Books with the offer to arc read this one and I’m thrilled I took them up on their offer.

Terra and Thorne were just *chef’s kiss* and I’m so glad they both got their happy ending.

Woven from Clay by Jennifer Birch

🌟 Woven from Clay is a masterpiece of contemporary fantasy that blends magic, mystery, and self-discovery into a breathtaking, fast-paced adventure. Jennifer Birch has crafted a story that is as emotionally powerful as it is captivating, and it is one that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. 🤩✨

Meet Terra Slater – a fierce, determined high school senior who thought she had her life all figured out. Her plans? Have the best senior year ever. But oh boy, does that get upended when Thorne Wilder– a brooding, mysterious magical bounty hunter – walks into town with some devastating news: Terra isn’t human. She’s a golem, a creature of clay and magic, brought to life by a fugitive warlock named Cyrus Quill. 😱💥

Suddenly, Terra’s entire existence is turned upside down. Not only does she have to grapple with the shock of her true nature, but she also learns that the warlock who created her is on the run from the witches who want him dead. And if Quill dies? So does she. And the other golems he created. No pressure, right? 💀

In an effort to save herself and her friends, Terra strikes an uneasy alliance with Thorne and his coven. Together, they must work to master the magical power within Terra before time runs out. As Thorne trains her, an unexpected bond forms between them, and Terra begins to discover just how much power she holds—not just over the magic, but over her own fate. 🌙✨

What really makes Woven from Clay stand out is its unique premise and the emotional depth it offers. Terra’s struggle to understand her identity as a golem, torn between her constructed nature and the yearning to be human, is so incredibly relatable. There’s a raw vulnerability in her journey as she grapples with her origins and learns to embrace her power. I loved how Birch explored themes of self-worth, belonging, and what it means to be truly alive.

And then, there’s the romance between Terra and Thorne. It’s slow-burn, charged, and packed with so much tension and heart. Thorne, with his mysterious past and conflicted loyalties, is the perfect foil to Terra’s fiery determination. Watching their relationship unfold, moving from wary allies to something deeper, was one of my favorite parts of the story. It’s a romance built on mutual respect, trust, and shared sacrifice, and it had me all in. 🔥❤️

The magic system in this book is so intricate and beautifully imagined. Terra’s ability to manipulate the tapestry of magic around her—understanding its weave, its threads, and how they affect her—adds a layer of complexity and wonder to the narrative. Birch’s writing is lush and vivid, drawing you into a world where magic is as much a part of Terra as her bones and blood. The idea of golems, magical bounty hunters, and covens feels fresh and inventive, and it gave the story a rich sense of fantastical history. 🪄✨

But Woven from Clay isn't just about magic—it's also about identity, growth, and the fight for one’s place in the world. Terra’s arc of self-empowerment, as she learns to embrace both her magic and her humanity, is inspiring and emotional. She’s not just fighting for her survival; she’s fighting to prove that she matters—even if she was “created” instead of born. It’s a powerful narrative about finding meaning and purpose in a world that might not always see you as more than what you are at face value.

If you love:

Unique magical systems
Slow-burn, enemies-to-allies romance
Deep character development
Emotional journeys of self-discovery
A strong heroine overcoming the odds

Then Woven from Clay is a MUST-read! 🌟

This book will draw you in, keep you on the edge of your seat, and make you fall in love with its characters and world. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this one. It’s a stunning debut from Jennifer Birch, and I’ll be first in line for whatever she writes next! 💫📚

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Birch, and Wednesday Books for the eARC of this fantastic YA book.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books Marketing for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Woven From Clay by Jennifer Birch was a fun, quick, and easy read. The story flowed smoothly, making it easy to get lost in the characters and their journey. It didn’t take long to get through, but it still offered plenty of depth and enjoyment. Perfect for anyone looking for a light, engaging book that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

DNFed at 28%. I couldn’t get into this book. The premises was interesting, which is why I picked it up. I’ve never heard of a book about golems, so I had decently high hopes for it. However, I found it to be a little cringey. New mysterious hot guy comes to school. Girl who finds out she’s made out of magic. Guy best friend who is in love with her (almost obsessed too because he literally tells her he won’t stop pursuing her until she loves him back. Girl continues to be in situations with new guy despite her best “attempts” to not be around him. New guy is so mysterious and borderline creepy. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, it couldn’t really get behind the writing and how tropey it was.